Event Guide: Canada Cycle & Motor Book Signing

WHAT: Book signing for Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story
WHEN: Sunday, July 24th at 2pm.
WHERE: Frontlines Youth Centre, 1844 Weston Road (just south of Weston and Lawrence)

For the first time, the story of Canada Cycle & Motor (CCM) has been told. John McKenty’s new book, Canada Cycle & Motor: The CCM Story, follows the history of the Canadian company from its formation in 1899 to its eventual closure in 1983.

A company now known solely for its hockey equipment, Canada Cycle & Motor was once the quintessential Canadian company. “For decades Canadian families purchased CCM bikes for the summer and its skates for the winter” says author McKenty. The factory also helped Weston grow into the community it is today and is responsible for Weston’s slogan ‘home of the bicycle.’ Since the closing of CCM almost 30 years ago and the last cycle shop leaving 10 years back, some believe that the community has lost much of its connection to the bicycle. Given Weston’s prime location along the Humber River and easy access to bike trails leading all the way to the lake, it is still a great place to ride in the city.

Through interviews with past employees, meetings with collectors, and hours of research McKenty has put together this little known story that showcases how CCM played a role in Canadian culture throughout the 20th century. “My book looks at CCM from a grassroots level,” says McKenty. “This story truly is about the people involved with the company.”

“Bring your bike and memories of your CCM experience,” says Suri Weinberg-Linsky, manager at Squibb’s Stationer the hosts of the event. The book will be available for purchase and the author will be signing copies, a portion of the proceeds will go to support community efforts.